City of Lawrence

Lawrence Human Relations Commission

November 19, 2009

Minutes

 

Members Present:  Jason Barnhill, Scott Criqui, James Dunn, Ernesto Hodison, Kevin Johnson, Kirsten Krug, Sue Leonard, Laura Diaz Moore (by phone), and

Lori Tapahonso

 

Staff Present:  Toni Wheeler and Paul Winn

 

Public Present:  Approximately 25 attendees

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Commission Meeting Called to Order

The Lawrence Human Relations Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair, Lori Tapahonso, at 11:00 a.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall, located at 6 East 6th Street, Lawrence, Kansas.

 

Introduction of New Human Relations Commission Members

Commissioners Jason Barnhill, Scott Criqui, and Laura Diaz Moore (by phone) each introduced themselves.

 

Approval of Minutes

It was moved by Commissioner Hodison and seconded by Commissioner Wilke to approve the August 20, 2009 minutes of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Approval of Staff Report

It was moved by Commissioner Leonard and seconded by Commissioner Krug to approve the staff report for the period of August 1, 2009 to October 31, 2009.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Gender Identity Proposal to the Ordinance

Chair, Lori Tapahonso, explained the process the Lawrence Human Relations Commission followed in considering the gender identity issue.  The Lawrence City Commission received a request to add gender identity to the protected categories in Chapter X of the City Code.  The request was forwarded on March 10th to the Lawrence Human Relations Commission for a recommendation.  Chair Tapahonso stated there were discussions at the LHRC meetings on May 21st and August 20th.  A documentary was shown on June 18, 2009 and a public forum was held on August 29, 2009.  Chair Tapahonso stated the gender identity issue will be addressed here today for a vote.  Chair Tapahonso allowed the Human Relations Commission to discuss their positions and to ask questions. 

 

Chair Tapahonso asked the public to give their comments about gender identity and to direct their comments to the Lawrence Human Relations Commission.  There were thirteen persons that gave comments.

 

Chair Tapahonso said she appreciated all of the public comments.  She then asked the Lawrence Human Relations Commissioners to consider their positions for further discussion and voting.  Additional discussion occurred by the Lawrence Human Relations Commissioners.  Chair Tapahonso asked the LHRC Commissioners to vote on the issue as to whether they wanted to recommend to the Lawrence City Commission to add gender identity as a protected class.  The Lawrence Human Relations Commission then voted on the matter.  Voting in favor of the motion to amend Chapter X of the City Code to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity were:  Scott Criqui, Laura Diaz Moore and Lori Tapahonso; voting in opposition were:  Jason Barnhill, James Dunn,  Ernesto Hodison, Kevin Johnson, Kristen Krug, and Sue Leonard.  A subcommittee consisting of Tapahonso, Criqui, and Krug will prepare a draft report on the Commission’s recommendation on the gender identity issue.  The subcommittee’s draft report will be considered and approved by the full Human Relations Commission at the next regularly scheduled Human Relations Commission meeting. 

 

Human Relations Division Staff Update

Executive Director, Toni Wheeler, gave an update to the Human Relations Commission on the status of the transition of the Human Relations Division duties to the City Prosecutor’s office.  She advised that the HRD office will be relocated to 1006 New Hampshire Street.  Signs will be posted at our present offices and the new office location.  Director Wheeler explained that a news release will be published in the Lawrence Journal World newspaper.  She said the office phone number will remain the same and that outreach and educational efforts would continue.  She said HUD computer training has occurred with the staff.  Director Wheeler advised there would be a retirement reception for Ms. Michelle Smith and Mr. Paul Winn on November 20, 2009, in the City Commission room and the commissioners and public were invited to attend.  

 

There were no public comments.

 

The Human Relations Commission meeting was adjourned at 12:28 p.m.